NYT: US Plans Major Reduction of Aircraft and Ships for NATO in Europe

The United States is planning a substantial reduction in its military aircraft and naval assets assigned to NATO in Europe, The New York Times reported, citing two senior European officials familiar with the matter. The move, communicated to allies in a written document earlier in June, could significantly hamper the alliance's capabilities for long-range offensive operations and surveillance.

According to the report, the U.S. intends to decrease its fleet of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets from 150 to 100, and its maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15. Furthermore, all eight aerial refueling tankers, one submarine-launched ballistic missile submarine, an aircraft carrier with its accompanying aircraft, and several warships are slated for withdrawal. One of two bomber groups will also be removed from the continent.

The Pentagon has refrained from commenting on the specific figures mentioned in the document. However, it referred to a previous statement from its European Command, which broadly outlined plans to reduce the U.S. military footprint in Europe. While a precise timeline for the withdrawal has not been publicly disclosed, U.S. officials have previously indicated that the drawdown could occur rapidly, potentially sooner than European nations anticipate.

This planned reduction in U.S. military assets could impair NATO's ability to track Russian submarines and conduct long-range missile strikes, such as those using Tomahawk missiles, deep into Russian territory. The implications for European security and the alliance's operational readiness are expected to be significant.